Doug Martin

Bucs running back

Doug Martin

Doug Martin is a running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 31st overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, he was named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team after rushing for a Bucs rookie record 1,454 yards and 11 touchdowns, the second-best single-season effort in club history. Martin was given the nickname "Muscle Hamster'' by a Boise State teammate, a name he has said repeatedly he despises. Martin appealed to fans for nickname suggestions and has voiced support for the name, "Dougernaut.''

TAMPA — When members of the Buccaneers organization unveiled a giant ticket during an assembly on the B.C. Graham Elementary School playground Friday afternoon, they immediately raised a specific hope among some of the students.

TAMPA — Doug Martin thoroughly despises the nickname (rhymes with Hustle Mamster) that followed him to the NFL from Boise State, so he asked for potential alternatives on Facebook, and the Bucs received 3,100 submissions the first day.

You have to wonder if all the stories about coach Greg Schiano — including the "toes on the line" rant by TE Kellen Winslow, the kneel-down defense debate and his exhaustive training camp — will affect the decision of any free agents when they weigh signing with the Bucs.

NEW ORLEANS — The Bucs knew they still had a lot of problems to fix entering Sunday's game against New Orleans: a leaky secondary, a patchwork offensive line and finding a way to pump the brakes on a three-game losing skid.